Gaseous Chlorine Dioxide Microorganism Control in Controlled Environment Agriculture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling microorganisms in controlled environmental agriculture settings and post-harvest applications often leave harmful residues, and current pesticides are not compatible with crop health or quality, necessitating a safer and more effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining an effective application rate of chlorine dioxide or similar chemistries to control microorganisms in plant cultivation environments and post-harvest treatments, using gaseous chlorine dioxide at low concentrations (not exceeding 0.1 ppmv) to minimize impact on crop health and quality, while preventing microbial proliferation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high levels of chlorine dioxide are used for sterilization, then microorganism control effectiveness is improved, but crop health and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high-level chlorine dioxide concentrations used for sterilization to low-level concentrations (below detection limits) suitable for crop cultivation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain microorganism control effectiveness while eliminating harmful effects on crop health and quality, resolving the technical contradiction between sterilization efficacy and crop safety.
2Reliability
If conventional pesticides and fungicides are used, then microorganism control is improved, but harmful residues are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs chlorine dioxide, a strong oxidant, as an alternative to conventional pesticides and fungicides. This oxidizing agent effectively controls microorganisms through oxidation mechanisms while degrading into harmless byproducts, thereby eliminating the harmful residues typically associated with conventional pesticidal agents and resolving the contradiction between microorganism control and residue generation.
3Reliability
If high levels of chlorine dioxide are applied, then sterilization capability is improved, but compatibility with human, animal, or plant occupation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between sterilization capability and occupational safety by changing the concentration parameter of chlorine dioxide from high levels (effective for sterilization but hazardous to occupants) to low levels (safe for human, animal, and plant occupation). This parameter adjustment enables the system to provide continuous microorganism control in occupied environments without compromising safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively reduces microorganism counts without substantially affecting crop quality or leaving harmful residues, ensuring compliance and maintaining product quality by adjusting application rates based on environmental and crop parameters.
Implementation Method 1
Chlorine dioxide is an attractive alternative to other pesticides and fungicides due to its strong oxidization capacity and broad biocidal spectrum
Implementation Method 2
Chlorine dioxide is also attractive because it is rapidly dissipated by degradation into inactive and non-toxic byproducts
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of use of chlorine dioxide in controlled environmental agriculture settings and postharvest applications are provided. A method can comprise application of gaseous chlorine dioxide at a level effective to prevent microbial proliferation in a setting containing growing plants. A system can comprise a chemical microorganism control agent dispersal system, an airborne microorganism detection system, and a cultivation environment monitor system.